Reiki...and the Teachings of a Cat

I would like to preface this post by saying that what you are about to read is something I had written three years ago for one of my other blogs.

Some of my readers here already know what Reiki is because they, like myself, are Reiki practitioners.

For those of you who have never heard of Reiki, please go here if you wish to find out more.

In order that you will understand this post, let me briefly say that Reiki (ray-key) is a form of hands-on energetic healing which is slowly becoming more of a respected natural modality used within the medical community. Reiki energy is something we are all born with and is always available to assist us physically, mentally, and spiritually. Someone who chooses to become a Reiki practitioner is one who then uses the energy to assist others in becoming more aware of the power of Reiki within themselves.

As you will discover from reading this post, Reiki does not always bring a physical healing, but rather a healing of what is needed. And sometimes that means….acceptance.

Ironically, my greatest teacher of Reiki was Jerry, my longtime feline companion. And it was through the final transition of his life that he gave me a clear glimpse into one of Reiki’s most profound understandings.

I was at a pinnacle point of my own personal and spiritual growth at the time of his transition; going through a deep surrendering process. Confused, lost, frightened and very angry, I had no other choice but to accept and trust. Not only was I confronting the limitations of human power, but I was also learning the lesson of allowing myself to be supported by true power.

In 1999 Jerry had been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. And after initially hearing the different options from a traditional veterinarian, I decided to use alternative healthcare to assist him (as I do with myself). Through the advice of a holistic veterinarian, along with much Reiki, Jerry’s health returned to a balanced state. With hyperthyroidism there are highs and lows which is to be expected using any type of healing method. So I watched him very carefully; adjusting his healthcare as his condition fluctuated.

In 2001 I decided to make a move back to the northeast, but was very concerned about whether or not it would stress Jerry to the point of affecting his health. After some blood work and a physical examination, the vet was amazed that he was doing so well. He said he could see no reason why we shouldn’t go ahead with our plans and that Jerry would make the move smoothly - which he did.

So off we went.

About 6 months after settling into our new life, Jerry’s health took a nose dive. It was at this point I intuitively knew nothing else could be done and that it was time for me to accept. So I made a choice. I had witnessed Jerry coming into this world 19 years prior, and I wanted to witness him as he left.

On the last day of his life Reiki was the only assistance I offered Jerry. It was he and I alone. I watched, as this compassionate energy, gently and calmly supported him through his final transition. As I struggled with my own feelings of loss, Jerry let go by simply accepting and embracing. There seemed to be a natural flow to what was happening to him and he seemed to have the inner knowing to flow with it. And as he did…..he found peace.

It is my own personal belief that animals are placed on this earth as teachers.

Along with their ability to love unconditionally, they seem to have a natural understanding of acceptance.

Animals also seem to understand how Reiki works. Perhaps it’s because they accept that Reiki is within them...

44 comments

Is that something about chakras? I had this lady do some massage and something on Mama. She said Mama's chakras were open. It was years ago I forget already. Accupuncture, you name it this dog's had it.

Absolutely beautiful post. I have a highly respected acupuncturist/Tui Na practitioner that works on my horses. She also helps people and has worked on me. The change she brought to one of my horses is nothing short of miraculous. This rather spooky and difficult mare has taken on a calm that I never thought possible. We were able to show together successfully this past weekend, something I thought impossible. Animals are teachers and I believe that each one comes into our lives for a reason (much like people.) Sometimes we don't realize what that reason is until much later. I have discovered that with each and every animal that has shared my life.

Wow. Great post. Made me a bit emotional. *dries tears, continues to type*

As you know, I am new to Reiki. Having only been attuned to Level I back in April I have a long way to go, but as I learn more and more about it I'm just amazed. It's for everyone, every pet, every thing at every stage of life. It heals ...but on different levels. Sometimes physical if that's for the persons/pets highest good, but also emotionally and spiritually as well, just like you said.

As I move toward my goal of Level II, I've started to journal some about the process. Some days I'm very frustrated. But then some other days I feel almost euphoric because there is a slight understanding that comes in at times. It's just a very brief glimpse but just says to me that there is so much more available to us and we must explore all we can about life while we're here.

Any time you want to send me some Reiki please do.

Thanks for this post. It's helpful to have others with similar interests to chat with about things.

If you click on the link I left, it will explain more in detail the workings of Reiki. But when sharing Reiki, the practitioner will usually place his/her hands over each chakra to help balance the energy associated with that particular chakra.

I'm SO excited to hear that your doggie has had accuputure! Isn't it amazing stuff? I've had two sessions myself and received great results.

WOW! Thank you for sharing such an informative and enlightening comment!!

I've no doubt the results your horse received through accupuncture was nothing short of miraculous. That modality is truly amazing!!!

Speaking of horses....

...I knew a Reiki practitioner who specialized in Reiki on horses. She invited me to witness one of her sessions with a horse she was taking care of on a ranch in Florida. OMG...I could not believe my eye as I watched how the energy moved through the horse with such force. It truly blew me away. Animals are extremely sensitive to all types of healing energy and receive great results.

I so agree with you Jen....

...animals come into our lives for a reason (much like people).

Again, thank you very much for sharing your experience on this post - I so enjoyed hearing about it!

Yes...neighbor, as you know I was soooo happy and excited to hear about your attunement to Reiki!!!

And it's just as you shared...Reiki is for anyone at any stage of life and heals on different levels - it just knows.

I think it's so fantastic that you're keeping a journal - Brava! After each of my level attunements, I too kept journals (which I still have). And every so often I will go back and read how I felt going through the process. And what you shared about sometimes feeling frustrated and then sometimes eurphoric is exactly how it was like for me too.

BOY...I have some journal entries in there that are nothing but spewing ANGER and then some that are NIRVANA. But I've learned that that can sometimes be part of the attunement process - almost like an inner emotional house cleaning.It needs to come out and be felt.

Absolutely, M...I'll definitely send you some Reiki!!

And thank you too, I agree...it's great to have someone to chat with about similar things.

I don't know whether you've read any of the comments here, but many of them are from readers who have had experiences with some sort of energy work - how cool!

I freaking LOVE that song!!! Have you ever heard Mama Cass sing it? I have several of her songs on a CD that someone burned for me, and Dream a Little Dream is on it! God...I LOVE her voice!!!

Thank you for you kind words about Jerry, buddy. He was the sweetest cat. You would have loved him.

Reiki CAN be challenging to understand how it works. It's one of those things that once you experience it - you understand it. It's a feeling. I do know that Reiki is well-known in Hawaii, because one of the original master teachers was from there.

OMG...and I'm so sorry about not having the Pussycat Dolls for your birthday, but I found out a few days ago that they don't make housecalls anymore and I was too ashamed to tell you!

I hope you forgive me, Ethel!

But please feel free to beat me with a wire hanger when we meet - I deserve it!

So glad you were able to sense the spirit peace within this post because it really was an experience that left such a positive impact on me.

It was one of those bitter-sweet experiences that as time moved forward...I saw the beauty.

That's why I wanted to share this post.

And yes, I remember last year when you lost Freddy. Losing a pet is heartbreaking, isn't it? And it's ironic you mentioned that you still hear his bark because I swear I could still hear Jerry's MEOW for weeks afterward.

Well thought out post, Ron. We put our tabby, Bailey, to sleep last year after a battle with lung cancer. No, he didn't smoke, as he lacked the opposable thumb to properly handle a cigarette. But in all seriousness, and not having come from a holistic background, I empathize with your feelings of loss, adjustment, and eventual calm.

.... No, he didn't smoke, as he lacked the opposable thumb to properly handle a cigarette...

I'm sorry, I know the two of us are trying to talk about something serious here, but I still found your comment hystercial!!

bwhahahahaahahahaha!

Oh...you are soo funny, man!

Thanks for the great laugh.

Anyway, getting back to seriousness...

...a few months ago when I read your post about Bailey, I too could empathize with what you went through - that post actaully brought tears to my eyes because I could remember so clearly what it felt like for me.

What a wonderful Post. When you know that Reiki is in your world the journey becomes a blissful experience. The knowing of spirit and wellness is what the energy of Reiki is all about. When we allow the life force energy to be used for the highest and best good then a healing takes place within the body mind and spirit. The energy of Reiki always goes to the place it is needed. When we let our intention guide us to the outcome and we pay attention to the now, then we are close to what the Bhudda called enlightenment.

SniffI just came from another blog that usually makes me laugh and i was already crying.GeezI guess the universe is telling me i need a big baby cry today.sniffthis was a beautiful post Ron, your heart and soul shine.

But I'm so glad you could also feel the beauty within this experience because as sad as it was for me, I knew I needed to experience it in order to see the support that was/is there for me, in acceptance.

ron, this was a dear . poignant, and wonderfully enlightening post about the power of alternative healing, one we wouldn't necessarily expect from you and so, listen more closely, don't you think? thank you for sharing such an intimate aspect of you and little jerry.

my my, what a dear old friend you had there, I am thinking he was your angel, kept you moving forward, close to you when you were sad or afraid, purring to remind you he was there....ok, I'll stop now, I know how it feels to lose a beloved furry friend and this story jerked my heart strings a bit more than most....

And you are SO right in saying that Jerry was my angel, because he WAS! And that's what I've told people. He was a great teacher and loyal friend.

Way back in some of my archives, I've shared about Reiki and the volunteer work I've done with HIV. Every once in a while I like to share a little bit of that with my readers who are Reiki practitioners, plus, it also allows my other readers to maybe learn about something they knew nothing about.

I was happy to find out from some of the people who commented on this post that they HAVE heard about it, or at least have tried alternative therapies.

I agree with all you said. The energy goes on after transition. In one of my readings she told me she saw two dogs around me, and I knew which dogs they are. She told me they move to the spirit world too.

Thank you for sharing this, it was informative and very moving! I also enjoyed your other posts! As usual, you made me laugh, and I leave here with a warm heart!